3 of 3

Director Helmut Schleppi films the co-stars

Would you consider this a "Christian" movie? And if it were to get an MPAA rating, what would it be?

Heetebrij: I wouldn't label it as such because it might give the idea that this is a movie only for Christians, and it's not. It is a movie about Christians. We set out to tell a story that we feel passionate about. We try very hard to be authentic. We're not sugarcoating their journey of faith, and we include their moments of despair, because those are the kinds of moments where God's power shines through. Hopefully, the story will have universal appeal and will entertain viewers from any background. So far, if the members' comments on the site are any guide, The Interior is succeeding in doing just that.

And my guess is that an MPAA rating would be PG-13.

How has your own faith informed the process of making this film, and in "reverse," how has the process of making this film affected your faith?

Heetebrij: The making of The Interior became what the story is about. Since our approach was so new, it took a lot of leaps of faith. These missionaries in the story feel called. But are they? Is there really anything special about what they're doing, or have they simply projected a divine calling on personal ambition? These are questions that I struggled with on a daily basis while my cash was running out. What if I had made all this up, and I was dragging my family down with me in this crazy project?

There were sleepless nights. Home equity only goes so far. But what's also true is that so far, every leap we have taken in this project has been met by solid ground. Talented Hollywood professionals have come alongside and carried this project onward to where it is today. I guess if I'm learning anything here, it's to stop worrying and press onward.

What's next for you and/or Helmut?

Heetebrij: We recently posted an open casting call for Season 2 of The Interior. We intend to shoot The Interior II next year. Our vision is also to use the website as a platform for other productions that would resonate with The Interior community.

For more information on Heetebrij and The Interior, go to the official website.

© 2007 Christianity Today International. Click for reprint information.

first page |  3 of 3